NBA Draft Lottery Results

Congratulations are in order for the Chicago Bulls, who won the right to choose between Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose with the first pick in June's NBA Draft despite having just a 1.7% chance of winning. Since 1994, only twice has the team with the worst record earned the first pick in the draft. This year, the Miami Heat, who only won 15 games, got the second pick. Memphis, New Jersey, and Seattle all have two first rounders, while Atlanta, Dallas, and the Lakers are without a first round pick. The order for this year's draft is:

1. Chicago ................. 16. Philadelphia
2. Miami ................... 17. Toronto
3. Minnesota ............. 18. Washington
4. Seattle ................... 19. Cleveland
5. Memphis ............... 20. Denver
6. New York .............. 21. New Jersey
7. L. A. Clippers ........ 22. Orlando
8. Milwaukee ............. 23. Utah
9. Charlotte ............... 24. Seattle
10. New Jersey .......... 25. Houston
11. Indiana .................. 26. San Antonio
12. Sacramento .......... 27. New Orleans
13. Portland ............... 28. Memphis
14. Golden State ........ 29. Detroit
15. Phoenix ................. 30. Boston

Chicago now has a very tough, if enviable, decision to make. Clearly, they need a low-post scorer and have needed one for a long time. While I think Beasley will end up being more of a face-up, 15-18 foot kind of player, he still gives the Bulls a player with the ability to create his own shot and score inside. He is also athletic and mobile, and can get out and run the floor, which means he should fit in well with the Bulls style of play.

But Beasley is still a bit of a risky pick, based on his work ethic and demeanor. Rose would be a huge upgrade over Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon. And he would bring leadership to the point guard position. Chicago has had all sorts of off-the-court issues with guys like Ty Thomas and Duhon, and bringing in a guy with the leadership qualities that Rose has could help to quell that problem.

Although Miami did not win the lottery, they still may get Rose, the guy that they want, because Chicago may take Beasley. Seattle fell the furthest out of any team in the lottery, dropping from 2nd to 4th, but they will still likely end up with Jerryd Bayless, who is a very good fit for their team.